Summary: Technical error messages are not narratives. They lack context, intent, and human stakes—the very things that make a story. Yet, understanding them is crucial for anyone working with software, finance, or any system where automated responses dictate actions. Here, we break down why error messages exist, what they communicate, and how their meaning can be misinterpreted when we try to extract a “story” from them.
Error Messages Are Not Stories
When you see an error message, such as a JSON response stating, “Insufficient account balance,” there’s no character or event unfolding in the traditional sense. This is mere data being processed and presented in a way computers understand. Humans interpret stories; computers execute commands. Trying to find a “story” in an alert designed to prevent an invalid transaction misunderstands what’s happening.
Why Error Messages Exist
Systems are built with safeguards. An error message exists to communicate that an operation cannot proceed as intended. If you don’t have enough money in an account, attempting a transaction will trigger a message preventing it from going through. This isn’t a story—it’s a safeguard.
Think of it like a road sign that warns drivers of a sharp turn. The sign isn’t telling a story about an accident that could happen; it’s simply alerting you to an obstacle ahead.
The Risk of Misinterpreting Technical Messages
Many people misunderstand error messages by trying to read between the lines. A JSON response stating “insufficient funds” doesn’t indicate fraud, bank failure, or a conspiracy—it’s simply a system preventing a transaction due to a lack of funds. Misinterpretation leads to unnecessary frustration and often misplaced blame.
In customer service, this happens often. Someone sees an error and assumes their money was stolen or that the system is broken when, in reality, the conditions for the transaction were not met. Instead of solving the problem, they fixate on a perceived “story” behind the rejection, wasting time and energy.
How to Properly Interpret an Error Message
Rather than searching for meaning beyond what is stated, approach error messages methodically:
- Read literally: The message is telling you something specific—not hinting at a deeper issue.
- Understand system constraints: If your account balance is too low, the system can’t process your request. That’s it.
- Seek solutions, not stories: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”, ask, “What do I need to do next?”
Conclusion
Technical messages are not narratives—they are direct indicators of system states and actions. Trying to force a story into an automated response leads to confusion and unnecessary frustration. The right approach is to see these messages for what they are: practical indicators of what to correct, rather than cryptic clues to a larger, imagined problem.
#ErrorMessages #TechLiteracy #ProblemSolving #SystemCommunication
Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Steve Ding (T42j_xLOqw0)
